And it's introduced by GM! It's the Chevy Volt.
Basically it's a Hybrid but unlike most Hybrids it runs exclusively on electric battery power for the first 40 miles until the stored battery power is depleted.
This is regardless of what speed you are traveling.
Then if you still need more miles than that, the gas or diesel internal combustion engine takes over and recharges the battery. You can still run with the electric motor but the engine would need to run to keep the battery pack charged.
Even if you are going for a long trip, the first 40 miles are "free". Basically that would be one or two gallons of gas (say 6 Litres free).
The real bonus is driving around town or to work when you are probably driving less than 40 miles per day. No Gas is required.
On returning home you plug your car in to your household current to recharge the battery.
No gasoline needs to be consumed in this case.
Theoretically you could drive to work and back all week without using any gas.
The Volt is still in the concept stage but the idea makes too much sense. This is what I would call a true hybrid and I think is the future of the automobile.
